To Do

…xposed to trade winds blowing between 15 and 25 km/h.

On Basse-Terre, volcanic beaches are distinguished by their black sand. Grande Anse beach in Deshaies, over 1.5 km long, is lined with sea grape trees and offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The water deepens quickly here, with underwater visibility reaching up to 20 meters in calm weather. Further south, Malendure Beach, facing the Pigeon Islets, is an ideal starting point for diving. Sea turtles, which are common in the area, come here to feed. Air temperatures, between 75°F and 82°F all year round, make these beaches pleasant in all seasons.

Neighboring islands such as Marie-Galante are home to wilder beaches, some of which remain almost deserted. The seagrass beds found in certain bays provide food for green turtles, which can be observed at dawn. On La Désirade, limestone beaches and fossilized coral alternate. The numerous coastal anchorages, less than 300 meters from the shore, facilitate access by boat.

Sample Creole cuisine and stock up on local produce

Guadeloupe produces more than 60,000 tons of bananas and approximately 240,000 tons of sugar cane annually. Tropical fruits (guava, passion fruit, pineapple), tubers (yam, madère), and spices (cinnamon, allspice) fuel a rich Creole cuisine. Iconic dishes include chicken colombo, cod accras, fish court-bouillon, and Creole blood sausage. Agricultural rum, distilled from cane juice, often has an alcohol content of between 50% and 59% and comes in flavored punches (coconut, passion fruit).

Local markets, such as those in Pointe-à-Pitre or Basse-Terre, feature over 100 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, spices, condiments, fish, and shellfish. These markets are generally open from early morning (around 6 a.m.) until midday. Prices vary depending on the season; a Victoria pineapple costs between €2 and €3 each, and a papaya between €1 and €2. Vendors offer advice on cooking, using spices, and storing fruit. Tourists can sample fresh cane juice, extracted on site, or coconut sorbet prepared in a traditional ice cream maker.

Hike trails

Guadeloupe National Park, covering 22,000 hectares, maintains more than 200 km of trails. The Trace du Pas-du-Roy trail leads to the foot of La Soufrière (altitude 1,467 m), an active volcano, passing through tree ferns, gum trees, and mahogany trees. In one hour of walking, you gain 200 to 300 meters in elevation. Hikers discover cooler temperatures, around 64°F at 3,280 feet, and hot sulfur springs.

The Carbet Falls, particularly the second waterfall (110 m high), can be reached via a 2 km round-trip trail. You will be immersed in a soundscape of crickets, endemic birds, and the continuous sound of water. The Grand Étang, located at an altitude of over 700 m, is surrounded by humid woods, mosses, and wild orchids, and can be explored in a 1.5-hour walk. The coastal trails on Grande-Terre offer panoramic views of the Atlantic, with xerophytic vegetation and frequent sightings of frigatebirds, pelicans, and terns.

Enjoy the pleasures of fishing

Guadeloupe produces more than 2,000 tons of fish annually through artisanal fishing. The coastal waters, between 26°C and 29°C, are home to trevally, snapper, dolphinfish, kingfish, lobsters, and conch. Big game fishing trips often depart from Saint-François or Rivière-Sens and last 4 to 8 hours. Boats equipped with depth sounders, trolling lines, and 30 to 80 lb rods allow anglers to target blue marlin (up to 200 kg), yellowfin tuna, and wahoo. The cost of a big game fishing trip varies between €120 and €200 per person. Local fishermen, present on the quays, sell the day's catch in the morning, indicating its origin (Caribbean shore, Atlantic coast) and how it was caught (net, longline, line).

For enthusiasts, bottom fishing in the lagoons or sport fishing for bonefish in shallow water are offered by specialized guides. Regulated lobster fishing is possible during the season. Boat rental companies sometimes provide equipment and explain the legal sizes (a lobster must have a shell length of over 20 cm) and restrictions (fishing in marine reserves).

Enjoying boating and sea trips

Boating in Guadeloupe benefits from well-equipped ports, such as the Marina Bas-du-Fort in Pointe-à-Pitre, offering more than 1,000 berths. The weather conditions, with regular trade winds, allow for stable sailing. Catamarans ranging from 10 to 15 meters in length can accommodate 8 to 12 people and offer excursions to Caret Island, the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin reserve, Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, or La Désirade. The shallow waters, between 1 and 3 meters deep in the lagoons, offer ideal clarity for snorkeling. Spotted dolphins, which can be seen on some mornings, make the experience even more appealing. Trips last between 4 and 8 hours, with a Creole meal served on board (grilled chicken, rice, lentils, plantains).

The cost of a catamaran excursion varies between €80 and €120 per person, including drinks, meals, and snorkeling equipment. Operators sometimes offer packages combining sailing, swimming, island visits, and rum tasting. The more adventurous opt for transparent kayaks, windsurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding, which are available for rent on certain beaches.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Guadeloupe is home to more than 300 species of reef fish, corals (Acropora, Montastraea), sponges, and gorgonians. The Cousteau Reserve, around the Pigeon Islets, covers more than 400 hectares. The depth of the sites varies between 5 and 40 meters, allowing beginners to try diving for the first time in clear waters (visibility of 20 to 25 m) and experienced divers to explore canyons, caves, and drop-offs. A first dive, lasting around 20 minutes underwater, costs between €50 and €70. Exploration dives, costing between €40 and €60, include a briefing, equipment, and boat transport.

Green turtles, hawksbill turtles, parrotfish, surgeonfish, triggerfish, barracudas, moray eels, lobsters, and cleaner shrimp inhabit these environments. There are more than 30 diving clubs on the archipelago offering certified training (N1, N2, PADI). Wrecks, such as the Gustavia, lying at a depth of 15 meters, attract underwater photographers. Snorkeling, possible with fins, mask, and snorkel, offers a more flexible alternative, accessible directly from certain beaches (Malendure, Anse Dufour).

Colorful markets and local crafts

The markets of Guadeloupe, such as the one in Pointe-à-Pitre (Saint-Antoine Market) or Basse-Terre (at the foot of the cathedral), are meeting places. You can find spices (cloves, massalé, colombo, turmeric), fruits (mango, avocado, soursop), local vegetables (chayote, pumpkin), fresh fish (mackerel, snapper, sea bream), local honey (beehives located on more than 100 sites), and several varieties of chili peppers. Prices are displayed, and haggling is sometimes possible, but only to a limited extent. The Saturday morning markets are particularly lively. Artisans offer basketry items (hats, baskets), local woodwork, seed jewelry, and vacuum-packed spices. Stalls also feature locally produced flavored rums, punches, concentrated fruit syrups, and jams (guava, banana, papaya).

Visit distilleries and living museums

In addition to outdoor activities, Guadeloupe has around ten active distilleries producing agricultural rum. They sometimes welcome more than 20,000 visitors a year. The tours explain the crushing of the cane, fermentation (24 to 48 hours), distillation in Creole columns, and aging in barrels. Moderate tastings allow visitors to enjoy a 50° white rum, a 3-year-old rum, or an older vintage. The shops sell bottles, punches, and flavored liqueurs (cocoa, coffee, vanilla).

Some museums, dedicated to coffee, cocoa, and bananas, illustrate the agricultural and historical importance of these crops. The Maison du Cacao in Pointe-Noire shows the stages of bean processing. The Maison de la Banane on Basse-Terre explains the diversity of varieties (more than 40 grown locally), pest control, and shipping methods. Admission fees, ranging from €5 to €10, make these visits affordable.

Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and windsurfing

With over 1,000 km² of coastal areas, Guadeloupe offers ideal conditions for water sports. Sea kayaking, possible on the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, allows you to get close to the mangroves composed of red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) and black mangroves (up to 3,000 hectares of mangroves recorded). The shallow water (1 to 3 m) allows you to see starfish, sea cucumbers, and small fish. Guided excursions last 2 to 3 hours, cost between €30 and €50 per person, and often include a snack.

Stand-up paddleboarding is practiced in lagoons, offering a view of the seabed. Calm conditions, with winds of 15 km/h, are ideal for beginners. Surfing is possible in Le Moule or Anse-Bertrand, with waves of 1 to 2 meters during the season, mainly between November and March. Windsurfing and kitesurfing benefit from steady trade winds, with sailing schools offering lessons (around $50 per hour), equipment rental, and intensive courses.

Observe terrestrial wildlife and birdlife

Guadeloupe is home to more than 33 endemic or rare nesting bird species, such as the Guadeloupe woodpecker (Melanerpes herminieri), the Madeira hummingbird (Eulampis jugularis), and the white-crowned pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala). Birdwatching trails, some located in Sofaïa, allow visitors to observe these species in the early morning (between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m.). Binoculars are available for rent (approximately €5) to facilitate observation. The rainforests, between 300 and 600 m above sea level, are home to a high level of biodiversity. Land mammals are rare, limited to a few introduced species (raccoons), rodents, and bats.

Relaxation in hot springs and relaxing walks

Basse-Terre, a volcanic island, is home to sulfurous hot springs, including those at Bains Jaunes, located at an altitude of approximately 950 m. The water, which ranges between 30°C and 38°C depending on the flow and weather conditions, offers relaxation after a hike. Accessible via a short trail, this natural pool attracts dozens of visitors every day. The properties of these mineral-rich waters are appreciated by locals. Other lesser-known hot springs exist along certain rivers. It is advisable to check with the tourist offices for more information.

Participate in cultural festivals and events

Guadeloupe offers a festive calendar in addition to its nature activities. The Christmas markets in December feature candied fruits and spiced punches. The patron saint festivals, celebrated in each of the 30 to 40 municipalities, organize concerts, street food stalls, and sports competitions. The carnival, between January and March, attracts more than 50,000 participants over several days, with parades, colorful costumes, and percussion music. Visitors can discover gwo-ka music, traditional dances, and local crafts (gourd carving, shell jewelry).

Combine activities and accommodation

Guadeloupe offers hotel accommodation for more than 15,000 guests, spread across hotels, lodges, residences, and guesthouses. Accommodation labeled "Gîtes de France" or "Clévacances" guarantees a certain level of comfort. Rural lodges, located near hiking trails, allow for early morning departures for excursions. Hotels on the coast offer packages combining accommodation and activities (diving, boat trips) at a reduced rate (e.g., 10% to 20% discount). Hotel restaurants serve local breakfasts (fruit, fresh juice, local coffee) and Creole dinners (colombo, grilled fish).

Practical advice and regulations

Before engaging in any activity, it is essential to check the weather conditions. Rainfall is more frequent between June and November, with a risk of cyclones between August and October. Tourist offices, generally open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., provide maps, brochures, and contact details for certified guides. Some water activities require a life jacket and liability insurance. The National Park prohibits picking plants, feeding wildlife, and leaving trash behind. On beaches, the use of reef-friendly sunscreen is recommended to limit damage to coral reefs.

Optimize your stay based on its duration

For a week-long stay, you can alternate between beach days (Caravelle, Grande Anse), a day of hiking (Soufrière or Carbet Falls), a diving trip, a catamaran excursion to Petite-Terre, a visit to a market (Pointe-à-Pitre), and a distillery tour. For a longer stay, add a visit to Marie-Galante (beaches and rum), Les Saintes (one of the most beautiful bays in the world), and La Désirade (a peaceful island and biosphere reserve). Travel times by rental car between the main attractions range from 20 to 60 minutes.